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Zanzibar is a scuba diving Mecca, with the best diving being off the northern tip of the island, at places such as the unspoiled Kendwa beach and Leven Banks from Nungwi.
The most famous dives site is Mnemba Atoll, a small coral island off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. This ultimate diving paradise, teeming with tropical fish, boasts consistent 30-metre/100-foot visibility and is home to Whale Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles & Reef Sharks.
Off the southwest of Zanzibar Island lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, hosting some relatively untouched reefs. For some serious diving there are liveaboard trips to smaller islands off Zanzibar, notably to the sites of Pemba or Mafia Islands.
From Stone Town on the west coast divers can explore Morogo Reef, Boribo Reef, Turtles Den and wreck dives.
The east coast of Zanzibar boasts the best stretch of beaches and is thus the most popular tourist area. The northern coast is equally beautiful, with Nungwi point serving as the base for top diving and snorkeling reefs. The South coast of Zanzibar is less visited, except for Kizimkazi.
There are plenty of broad, palm-fringed, white-sand beaches lapped by warm, clear blue waters to choose from in Zanzibar, with the northern beaches being the least tidal and most postcard perfect.
Zanzibar offers a wide variety of sailling and boating trips, ranging from sunset cruises and island hopping tours to longer sailing trips to visit nearby islands, go diving or fishing.
Options include catamarans, yachts and trips on traditional Dhow sailing vessels, and one can even travel from the mainland of Tanzania to Zanzibar by Dhow. The main areas of Zanzibar chartered on sailing trips are north to Pemba Island or southwards to Kilwa, Songa and Mafia Archipelago.
Zanzibar offers some of the best big game and deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean.
The waters between Zanzibar and Pemba in the north are home to excellent year round game fishing opportunities, with at least six types of billfish. There are huge sharks, including Mako, Tiger, Thresher and Hammerhead, as well as tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, dorado, barracuda, and giant trevally among many others.
There are two peak big game fishing seasons in Zanzibar, the Yellowfin Tuna season, from August to the end of October, and the Marlin season, from December to mid-March.
Most dive sites are also ideal for snorkelling in Zanzibar, with the warm Indian Ocean making the island an ideal place to snorkel.
Abundant marine life, plentiful coral reefs and good visibility, make Zanzibar a snorkelling paradise.
The tiny marine reserve of Chumbe Island has some of the best coral gardens in the world, and only guided snorkelling is allowed here.
The extreme northeast, a sandy section of the east coast lagoon and the southeast are best for swimming along the beautiful east coast of Zanzibar.
On the northwest coast the stretch of coastline between Nungwi and Kendwa is ideal for swimming all day as the tidal variation is less. Mnemba, off the northeast coast, boasts a non-tidal beach that is one of the finest white-sand beaches on Zanzibar, if not the world.
Swim with wild dolphins in the warm Indian Ocean waters of Zanzibar at Kizimkazi in the south.
Off the southern tip of Zanzibar lies a dolphin playground of bottlenose and humpback dolphins, as well as unspoilt coral reefs and rich marine live. Swimming with the local dolphins is a year-round activity, either half or full day and best started in the early mornings.
Zanzibar is known as The Spice Island, due to the exotic spices grown in its plantations and infusing its markets. Taking a Spice Tour of Zanzibar is a real journey of the senses - exploring the variety of aromatic spices with their rich and interesting flavours and vivid colours.
A Spice Tour also provides insight into the diverse history and cultures of Zanzibar Islands.
Guided tours of Stone Town, the old quarter in Zanzibar city, are the cultural highlight of a trip to Zanzibar.
Walk through the maze of winding alleyways of the ancient Stone Town, a World Heritage Site for its cultural and historic value, being transported back in time. Highlights include The House of Wonders, the old Slave Market, a variety of unique old buildings and mosques, and lively markets, all providing insight into the African and Arabic historical influences of Zanzibar.
Take a guided walk in Jozani Forest Reserve, located a 20 minute drive from Stone Town in the central east region of Zanzibar Island.
This diverse reserve is home to the rare and endemic Red Colobus Monkey, numerous trees over 100 years old, Sykes Monkeys, Ader’s Dukier, Suni Antelopes, Bushpigs, Elephant Shrews, Chameleons and abundant birdlife, as well as over 100 species of butterfly.
Zanzibar Island is one of the most scenic settings for Kite Surfing, catering for all ages and levels of skill.
Zanzibar sports Kite Surfing centres in the north at Nungwi and on the east, near Paje and at Matemwe, offering instruction for all levels by IKO certified instructors.
Shallow warm waters and soft sands, with plenty of windy spots, make for excellent kiteboarding. The peak kite surfing season runs from January to April.